Robert J. Butler

RANDOLPH- Robert J. Butler, 89, of Randolph, died Tuesday morning, July 17, 2007 at Gifford Medical Center.

He was born October 13, 1917 in Hartford, Conn., the son of John J. and Evelyn (Sears) Butler. He was raised in Hartford, and served in the U.S. Army Aircorps during World War II.

He married Julia Yankov in St. Augustine, Fla. in 1942. They lived in Canton, Conn.; Simsbury, Conn.; West Hartford, Conn. and Winstead, Conn., before moving to Randolph in 1996.

He had been an aviation mechanic at Pratt & Whitney, then was plant engineer at the Sisters at St. Joseph in West Hartford, Conn. He was a fourth degree Knight of Columbus, having served as Grand Knight in Bethel from 1999-2000. He was a member of the Saints Donatian & Rogatian Catholic Church in Randolph, and the Randolph Veterans of Foreign Wars. He enjoyed fishing, and stamp and coin collecting.

Survivors include his wife, Julia Butler of Randolph; six sons: Robert J. Butler, Jr. of Hartford, Conn.; John H. Butler of W. Hartford, Conn.; Edmund P. Butler of Randolph; James F. Butler of Morris, Conn.; Paul M. Butler of Winstead, Conn.; and Daniel T. Butler of Winchester, Conn.; a daughter, Anne Maria Mattus of W. Hartford, Conn.; 24 grandchildren and 17 greatgrandchildren.

He was predeceased by his sister, Helen Czysz.

A mass of Christian burial was held Friday morning, July 20, 2007 at Saints Donatian & Rogatian Catholic Church, with Rev. John Milanese, officiating. Irma Hartigan was the organist. Special music was provided by Paul Winter. Readings were given by Gregory Mattus and Elizabeth Sinartro. Iain MacHarg played the bagpipes as the casket was carried from the church.

Pallbearers were Ed Butler, Dan Butler Daniel Mattus, John Butler, James Butler, and Robert Butler, Jr. Delegations were present from the Randolph Chapter of Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the Knights of Columbus. A reception followed at the church.

Burial with military honors was Saturday, July 21 at St. Bernard's Catholic Cemetery in Tarrifville, Conn. The American flag was folded and presented to Anne Mattus.

Calling hours were held Thursday evening at the Day Funeral Home. Contributions in his memory may be made to the Church Building Fund, P.O. Box 428, Randolph, Vt. 05060. Online condolences may be left at www.dayfunerals.com.